IA stress is one of the most common challenges IB students face. Internal Assessments are long, open-ended, and often overlap with multiple subjects, making it easy to feel overwhelmed. The problem is not stress itself, but how it affects decision-making, time use, and confidence.
One reason IA stress escalates is uncertainty. Unlike exams, IAs do not have a clear finish line. Students often feel unsure whether they are “doing enough” or “doing it right.” This uncertainty creates anxiety, which then leads to avoidance or overworking—both of which make stress worse.
Another major stress trigger is comparison. Students frequently compare progress with classmates and assume they are behind. In reality, IAs progress unevenly. Some students move quickly early on and stall later, while others start slowly and gain momentum. Comparing timelines usually increases stress without improving outcomes.
Poor task definition also contributes to stress. Many students schedule vague goals like “work on IA” rather than specific tasks. This makes sessions feel unproductive, even when time is spent working. Clear, small tasks—such as refining one paragraph or analysing one result—reduce cognitive load and increase a sense of control.
Stress also increases when students try to perfect sections too early. Revising the same paragraph repeatedly instead of moving forward creates stagnation and frustration. Drafting imperfectly and refining later is far more effective for maintaining momentum and reducing pressure.
Another overlooked factor is emotional exhaustion. IAs require sustained independent thinking, which is mentally demanding. Students often interpret fatigue as failure, when it is actually a normal response to complex work. Short, consistent work sessions are far more effective than long, stressful ones.
Managing IA stress also requires reframing expectations. An IA does not need to feel “finished” at every stage. It needs to be moving forward. Progress, not polish, is the goal during most of the process.
Finally, stress often comes from misunderstanding how marks are awarded. When students believe every sentence must be perfect, pressure skyrockets. In reality, examiners are looking for clarity, focus, and analysis—not perfection.
The RevisionDojo Coursework Guide helps students reduce IA stress by providing structure, clear priorities, and examiner-focused guidance. When students understand what actually matters for marks, stress becomes manageable and progress becomes consistent.
👉 https://www.revisiondojo.com/coursework-guide
